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An event has showcased the region's capacity for innovation. The GM Innovation Showcase 2025, organised by the GM Business Growth Hub, was attended by businesses, funders, and universities to celebrate the achievements of Greater Manchester's dynamic businesses. A key focus of the event was to see how the GM Business Growth Hub can capitalise on innovation funding and investment.
Since July 2023, the GM Business Growth Hub has supported 900 businesses, awarded £2 million in grants to 185 companies, and facilitated 400 collaborative R&D projects. The showcase, held at the Royal Exchange Theatre on Friday, March 14, was attended by more than 100 people. Mandy Parkinson opens the Innovation Showcase (Image: Supplied) Yvonne Grady, head of innovation at the GM Business Growth Hub, said: "The Innovation Showcase was both a celebration of the amazing technical capabilities within Greater Manchester, but also a call to encourage people to do more and go even further with their businesses and innovations.
"We’re able to support businesses of all sizes to enhance their business process and help get new products to market. "We want all Greater Manchester businesses to be a part of the amazing innovation story happening here." According to the UK Innovation Survey 2023, Greater Manchester is a leading hub for research, development, and business innovation, with 42 per cent of businesses in the region actively engaged in innovation.
The GM Business Growth Hub plays a major role within this ecosystem. As part of the showcase, a series of 'Lightning Talks' were held, each focusing on a different topic. The Innovation Showcase audience (Image: Supplied) Jonas Singer, co-founder and chief executive of Vector Homes, discussed advanced sustainable materials.
Mark Wigglesworth, co-founder and chief executive of Alderley Lighthouse Labs, focused on diagnostics and genomics. Nick Richardson, founder of The Insights Family, centred his talk on AI, data, and advanced computing. The GM Business Growth Hub helps businesses explore new ideas, connect with the right expertise, and access facilities and funding.
For funding, technical expertise, and support, businesses are encouraged to contact the GM Business Growth Hub. For collaboration opportunities, the University of Manchester can be reached at [email protected].
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